Choosing a honeymoon location can prove challenging when there are so many incredible destinations and luxury resorts that each have their individual appeal. But sometimes, it’s the new lodges and resorts arriving on the scene that suddenly seem most exciting as they highlight a part of the world you otherwise wouldn’t have thought of heading or give you new reasons to go somewhere familiar. Here’s our pick of exceptional new places to stay for the ultimate honeymoon.
An Island Escape in Indonesia
One of the newest resorts to have opened in Indonesia, Bawah Reserve encompasses not one but six islands within its perimeters. Located to the northeast of Singapore in Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago, swathes of tropical foliage is surrounded by a seemingly endless expanse of crystal-clear turquoise ocean where shallow lagoon meets coral reef. As a marine conservation area, the ocean is an integral part of your experience here, whether spotting marine life from your overwater villa, snorkeling over the surroundings reef, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or sailing. But the islands also have 13 pristine white sand beaches to lounge on, Aura luxury spa to retreat to and an inviting infinity pool. You can hike Bawah’s lush forest, take cookery classes to recreate the cuisine you’ve had in Bawah’s beachfront and treetop restaurants and bars, and stargaze through Bawah’s telescope after dark.
Sand Dunes and Wild Coast in Namibia
One of Africa’s most curious coastlines, Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is dotted with shipwrecks, backed by giant sand dunes and home to the Cape Cross Seal Colony. And when you head inland, game drives across the plains are rewarded with sightings of desert-dwelling elephants and perhaps even a desert lion. In this truly unique part of the world, you can stay at the newly completed Shipwreck Lodge where standalone suites mimic the shipwrecks found in this area of stark natural beauty. Just 10 of these structures lie alongside the lodge’s lounge and restaurant with a swimming pool and wraparound deck providing uninterrupted views over the sand to the Atlantic Ocean. In between game drives within the Skeleton Coast National Park, you’ll have time to wander along the deserted beach and seek out the local seal colony and the coastline’s most imposing shipwrecks, before ending the day with sundowners, taking in the beauty of this remote setting at dusk.
Image: Instagram @especiallyafrica
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Fine Wine and High Design in France
The newest hotel to have opened up in France’s undulating wine country is the latest property by the heritage glassmakers Lalique. Following on from Villa Rene Lalique and Chateau Hochberg, which are both situated in Alsace, the newly opened Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey combines an insight into the wine production here—the hotel opening marked the wine estate’s 400th anniversary—with the cuisine of two-Michelin-starred chef Jerome Schilling , and the high design of Swiss architect Mario Botta and designers of Lalique – the brand’s design accents and fine crystal are integrated into each room. The romantic chateau provides the ideal base for discovering the region’s wine, whether you’re strolling through the estate’s vines or wine tasting in one of the chateau’s four cellars where vintages go back as far as 1893. The chapel here has been the setting for a number of intimate weddings and the arrival of a spa is on the horizon.
Image © Deepix
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Temples and Tiered Waterfalls in Laos
Earlier this year saw the opening of the highly anticipated luxury resort Rosewood Luang Prabang. This culturally rich pocket of Laos has long drawn travelers in for its abundance of temples, the tiered waterfalls of its jungle-covered mountains and for its many distinct traditions, from its culinary identity to its history. This new property adds another layer to the experience of coming here through its unique villas—choose between a riverside villa, pool villa and luxury hilltop tented villa, each combining Lao tradition with French colonial style—as well as Sense, A Rosewood Spa where you can try Lao-inspired wellness therapies, and Laotian seasonal and sustainable farm-to-table cuisine. Here you can combine the romance of the resort and its wild surroundings with an insight into the country’s environment, culture and history.
Dramatic Landscape and Helicopter Flights in Chile
The newest lodge by andBeyond, Vira Vira, hasn’t opened just yet but it’s set to begin welcoming guests in from September, making it one to consider when planning your honeymoon. The stunning new property lies at the heart of Chile’s Lake District in the Andean foothills. Aside from the breath-taking beauty of this region’s national parks, the area is home to the distinct Mapuche culture and is a playground for outdoor pursuits such as horseback riding, mountain biking and snow sports – for a bird’s eye view of this landscape, take off on a scenic helicopter flight. Vira Vira lodge will combine these experiences with the knowledge of expert guides, farm-to-table dining and luxurious touches including hot tubs and a spa. If your idea of romance is seclusion and dramatic scenery, this could be the right honeymoon destination for you.
Image: Instagram @andbeyondviravira
